bluecore media documentaries

The snow-laden road was cleared by the time we headed back up to the house. Once inside, I had ample time to set up the cameras while guests started trickling in. The mood was relaxed as Reza cracked numerous jokes to keep everyone entertained.

As far as ceremonies go, Persian ceremonies are one of the most easy-going and least stressful to film. Bride and groom don’t exchange vows or say much, apart from the anticipated shouts of “yes” (pronounced ba-li), so wiring them up for audio is mostly unnecessary. I was shooting from the middle-back of the room which is the perfect angle to include everyone.

The final touches – veil, dress and shoes completed Shima’s transformation into ’stunning bride’. The dressing room, dimly lit from the warm, incandescent orange glow of the lamps above and the sky casting its overcast rays through the curtained windows enhanced the unhurried, sanguine mood.

After a brief visit by Reza to her dressing room, she was ready for her close-up. Photographer, Rob, along with his assistant, and myself hauling each our respective bags of photographic and cine equipment, traversed through the hallways towards the large window in the Country Club dining room. Light reflected from the snow and clouds provided an ample amount of light for the photoshoot. As she was being photographed, Reza and their bridal party looked on.

Later, we dared to step outside, but only for so briefly as there is a real chilly winter nip in the air.